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Giants prioritize Hakeem Nicks' deal

For all the talk there has been about the New York Giants signing restricted free-agent wide receiver Victor Cruz to a long-term contract, the team is putting a bigger emphasis at this time on signing wide receiver Hakeem Nicks to a long-term deal, according to league sources.

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Nicks, 25, has one year remaining on his contract, but New York would like to tie him to the team long term as it views him as a legitimate No. 1 receiver.

Due to injuries to his knee and foot in 2012, Nicks failed to post 1,000 yards receiving for the first time since 2009.

Nicks finished third on the Giants with 53 receptions, notching 692 yards and three touchdowns. It was the first time in three seasons that Nicks did not have at least 76 receptions, 1,000 yards and seven touchdowns in a season.

The Giants also would like to keep the 26-year-old Cruz, but at this time, Nicks' contract status is the higher priority.

Giants owner John Mara said last week that he wants Cruz to remain a Giant, but at a reasonable price.

"We certainly want him back, but like with any player, there's a limit to where we're going to go," the Giants' co-owner told reporters Friday. "He's been a terrific player for us, he's a fan favorite, he does a lot for our franchise, but there is a limit."

Cruz is coming off consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons and is averaging 84 receptions, 1,314 yards and 9.5 touchdowns in the past two seasons.